Which term refers to heavy loads concentrated at a single point in a building?

The term that accurately describes heavy loads concentrated at a single point in a building is "Point Loads." Point loads refer specifically to forces that are applied at a distinct point, as opposed to being spread out over an area. This concentration of load can have significant implications for structural design, as it necessitates that the building's elements, such as beams and columns, be engineered to withstand these localized forces without compromising the integrity of the structure.

Point loads are important in structural analysis because they can lead to high stress levels in the materials directly supporting the load. Understanding the distinction between point loads and other types of loads, such as distributed loads—which spread the weight over a larger area, and uniform loads—which maintain a consistent pressure across the surface—is essential for effective building design and safety assessments in fire service scenarios.